
Learn serger basics and techniques, explore traditional and air-threaded sergers, master basic stitches, and gain maintenance and troubleshooting skills for confident serging.
Choose the right serger needles by fabric and size (80/12 to 90/14), ensure correct orientation, and consult the manual to match universal, sharp, ballpoint, topstitching, or decorative needles.
Explore common serger accessories, including cone thread holders, decorative thread guides, and optional feet like gathering and blind hem feet, plus tweezers and the owner's manual.
Identify the two serger threading systems—traditional and Arijit threading. Master threading upper and lower loopers and needles, then practice cutting and rethreading to boost confidence with any machine.
Learn to thread an air jet serger for a four-thread overlock, avoiding oil in ports, using the thread stand, four cones on spool pens, and front-to-back threading.
Learn how to thread a serger in the correct order, from spools to needles, including upper looper, lower looper, and both needles, with tension and presser foot steps.
Learn to secure thread tails with a seam sealant such as Fray Check, apply drops over the tails, let it dry, then snip the ends for a clean, invisible finish.
Adjust tensions on the upper and lower looper and stitch length to optimize rolled hems, and use bulky or wooly nylon in both loopers for a thicker, fuller look.
Learn to sew a glasses case holder on a serger using interfacing with cotton fabric, creating a four-thread overlock seam, pressing, folding, turning right side out, and securing thread tails.
MATERIALS:
4 Spools serger thread
Soft or medium weight fabric: Two pieces – 8.5” length x 8” width
Fusible Interfacing: One piece – 8.5” x 8”
TOOLS:
Serger
Scissors
Iron
STEPS:
Fuse interfacing to one layer of fabric. Set serger up for a 4-thread Overlock stitch.
Take the two pieces of fabric and place them pretty sides together. Serge the two layers along the top edge (one of the 8” sides).
Open up the 2 layers and press the seam down flat in between the 2 layers.
Fold in half, pretty sides together. Serge the long side. Then, serge the lower edge.
Secure serger tails and press with an iron
Learn how to remove serger stitches by breaking the needle threads and using a seam ripper to release loopers, then tug and guide the threads free.
Serger Care & Maintenance: Cleaning, Oiling & More. Does your serger need a fix? Learn the essentials of serger care & maintenance
Gain confidence using your serger with sewing instructor Margaret Smith. If you know the basics of serging, you'll now discover how versatile your machine is! Begin with an overview of serger threading and maintenance. Then, learn how to create nine different types of basic stitches and create a serger stitch book you can reference again and again. For those tricky serger slip-ups, Margaret will show you how to troubleshoot common issues like poor tension, skipped stitches, fabric rippling and more. Now that you've refined your serging skills, put them to the test with three fun skill-building projects.
Whether you adore or fear your serger – you will love this introductory serger online course! A serger is an invaluable tool to have in your sewing studio. It's fabulous for making garment construction quick and easy, and it can even add special decorative touches! Don't let all those threads intimidate you – your serger will be your new best friend.
This course will teach you all you need to become fearlessly proficient in serging. The tools and techniques taught in class guide you through everything from threading basics, to serger garment construction – everything you need to know to use a serger with ease and confidence. Serger 101 will give you the opportunity to practice your serging skills and explore new ones as well. Learn to get the most out of your serger by building a strong foundation through Serger 101. A serger may not entirely replace a sewing machine – but you'll wonder how you ever sewed without one!